Ardengost (Hautes-Pyrénées)

Pic du Midi de Bigorre (13.0 miles)

The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is no ordinary mountain peak. It is home to an impressive scientific observatory studying astronomy and the evolution of the earth. Scientists study the stars including the sun, climatology, meteorology, even botany and cosmology and much more. And it is open to the public. Read more...

Lourdes (25.5 miles)

Beautiful, spiritual Lourdes, nestling in the foothills of the Pyrénéen mountains. The largest pilgrimage site in the world with over five million visitors each year. From all four corners of the globe they come, the dying; the sick; the devout and the just plain curious. Read more...

Sanctuaries Notre Dame de Lourdes (25.7 miles)

Sanctuaries Notre Dame de Lourdes, the most revered site is known variously as the Grotte de Massabielle (Massabielle Cave or Grotto), the Grotte Miraculeuse (Miraculous Cave) and the Grotte des Apparitions (Cave of the Apparitions). Open 24 hours, its walls are worn smooth by the touch of millions of hands over the years. Nearby are 19 pools in which 400,000 pilgrims seeking cures immerse themselves each year. Miraculous cures are becoming rarer; the last medically certified case took place in 1987 and, after an exhaustive 1-year investigation, was recognised by the church as a miracle. Read more...